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Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa has expressed his delight at reaching 200 games for the club.

The 31-year-old grew up in the youth teams at the Santiago Bernabeu but left for Deportivo La Coruña in 2006 as he failed to get regular first team football in the Spanish capital.

But the Spain international returned in 2009, after a short stint in the Premier League with Liverpool, to establish himself as a first choice in the team. In his five seasons since his return, Arbeloa has lifted the Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Spanish Supercopa and European Super Cup.

And speaking to the club’s official website, he said he is targeting more glory – starting with the World Club Championship in December.

“For a youth academy player like me to have played 200 games for Real Madrid is unimaginable,” he said.

And he added: “We hope to win the Club World Cup in December so we can then say we have won everything with Real Madrid. This is my sixth season here and there is nothing greater in the world of football than winning with Real Madrid.”

Asked to pick a highlight over the last few years, Arbeloa said: “It is hard for people to understand how important it was to win for a team you have watched since you were a kid and witnessed your heroes win the European Cup.”

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Real Madrid blog

It’s been more than a month since the transfer market window closed and Real Madrid saw Xabi Alonso fly to Munich, just a few days after Angel di Maria had moved to Manchester. Much has been written and said about how wise those transfers were. Let’s take a look on how things are looking for Los Blancos since they lost two of last season’s starting midfielders.

The first two games without Alonso and Di Maria were a nightmare for Los Merengues. Carlo Ancelotti’s men let a two-goal lead slip to lose 4-2 at Real Sociedad, and lost again against arch-rivals Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Having collected only three points in the first three La Liga dates, fans and media turned against Florentino Perez, blaming him for having plotted two exits that had left the squad unbalanced and weakened.

Los Blancos seemed lost without Alonso’s guidance and Di Maria’s fury, having trouble to control the games and making terrible defensive mistakes. James Rodriguez struggled to adapt to his new role in a three-man midfield line alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. The Colombian struggled in defence, leaving wide spaces for the opponents to threaten Iker Casillas.

Yet, Real’s forwards came to rescue when they were most needed, and critics turned into glorious praise. Three consecutive goal fests against Basel, Deportivo La Coruna and Elche brought Florentino some relief, and made many people think all of Madrid’s problems were finally solved.

Neither Los Blancos were so terrible after losing to Atletico, nor are they as solid as the latest results might show. Alonso and Di Maria’s exits have left terrible gaps that the new signings can’t fill. James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos are two of the world’s best football players, but they might not be exactly what Ancelotti needs.

Some might say that Real’s defence is looking great after the last few games. But the truth is it isn’t. During their recent good run, they have only kept one clean sheet. It was against Villarreal, and it truly was a miracle that the Yellow Submarine didn’t score a single goal. Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema barely helped the defence, and Villarreal found more spaces than they could have dreamed of. Real only survived because Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane were superb, clearing one ball after another.

The Ludogorets trip showed Los Blancos are still lacking the consistency needed to fight for all titles. Yes, they have put in some good performances, but always against low profile teams, and they have struggled or lost when they have faced a more solid opponent. When the time comes to meet Barcelona or Liverpool, it seems highly unlikely that Los Blancos midfielders can help stop Leo Messi, Neymar or Raheem Sterling.

In those kinds of games, Alonso and Di Maria’s defensive commitment would always make a difference. But with Sami Khedira injured and Asier Illarramendi still trying to reach his best level, there is no one in the squad who can play that part.

The recent goal feast against Athletic Bilbao is a good example of what Madrid can achieve when all the players are focused. Although that’s not a perfect example, since Ronaldo’s goal after just two minutes made things a lot easier for Real.

Ancelotti will need to convince Bale, Ronaldo or Benzema to play a different role if he wants to improve the balance while keeping the three of them in the team. Edison Cavani’s performance in last week’s PSG victory over Barcelona is a perfect example of how a striker can bring a team’s defence to the next level. Taking that as an example, Los Blancos can surely reach the highest level.

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Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has been named as player of the year by the Welsh Football Association.

The 25-year-old picked up the award for the fourth time in the past five years, meaning he has overtaken former Barcelona striker Mark Hughes and Arsenal and Celtic forward John Hartson, who both won it three times during their careers.

Bale, who is back in Wales preparing for his country’s clashes with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus in Euro 2016 qualfiying, enjoyed a hugely successful campaign in Madrid having made the switch from Tottenham Hotspur last summer.

He netted 15 La Liga goals in 27 appearances, and also found the net in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals as he won two trophies in his first season in Spain – paying back some of the 91 million euros the club spent on him.

His goal against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final was considered one of the goals of the campaign. Picking up the ball in his own half he showed incredible pace to get past Marc Bartra before racing into the area to finish past Pinto.

Speaking after picking up the award, Bale said: “It’s been a fantastic year. I went to Madrid to win trophies and I’ve been lucky enough to do that.”

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Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has told media that he is only focused on himself and his own personal achievements, despite constant comparisons between him and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The pair are constantly scrutinised by many pundits and football fans as to which is better, as both Messi and Ronaldo continue to break record after record in the club game.

The pair are expected to be the frontrunners for the 2014 Ballon D’Or, and both are closing in on Real legend Raul’s record of 71 Champions League goals, with Ronaldo just one goal ahead of the Barcelona star on 69 after netting against Ludogorets.

But Messi has said that he has no interest in that, and that he is only focussed on winning silverware for Barcelona, who he joined as a 13 year old.

The Argentine was at the presentation of Gillette becoming sponsors with Barcelona, and told press “”I do not know what my place in the history of the game will be, neither do I even think about it. I’m just focused on continually improving and winning more.

“I’m not competing against Cristiano or anyone. I just do my job — I want to win titles.”

The first El Clasico of the season is in three weeks time.

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Real Madrid’s Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueno praised Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese scored a hat-trick in Los Blancos 5-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.

“He never stops surprising us, he is formidable. He has scored three goals, but he could have scored six if it wasn’t for Athletic’s goalkeeper great performance. He’s a world-class star, but in terms of dedication and professionalism, he behaves like a youngster would. He’s an example for every one of us,” Los Merengues legend stated.

Asked about Los Blancos performance against Los Leones, Butragueno confessed he was very pleased: “It’s been our best game so far this season, especially in defence. Our game has been fluid, and our technical display has been outstanding. The result could have been better, but their goalkeeper was superb. This is what the fans want to see,” he added.

Butragueno also had kind words for Karim Benzema, who scored a brace at the game. “Leaving his goals aside, he completed a great match,” he told the journalists.

Finally, the former Real Madrid striker spoke about the controversy surrounding Iker Casillas: “We have to be united right now, because we are going to face important challenges,” he concluded.

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Real Madrid’s rout of Athletic Bilbao was the best the team has played since the European Super Cup final in August, according to boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Los Blancos ran out 5-0 winners at the Santiago Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo scoring yet another hat trick that brings him level with club legend Alfredo di Stefano on 26. Karim Benzema also kept up his recent good form by netting a brace.

Prior to the game, Ancelotti had spoken about the need for defensive improvement. Although currently on a fine run of form, Los Blancos have looked vunerable at set pieces.

Talking to the press after the match, the Italian said he was pleased with what he had seen.

“It was undoubtedly the best match since the final of the European Super Cup in Cardiff. I think the team look good. We are playing much better than at this time last year. We’re on a good run. We were more alert on set-pieces today and everything went well,” he stated.

And he continued: “It was a very good match, we’re all very happy because we played as we always want to play. Everything went well in attack and defence. The whole team had a good match.”

Ancelotti singled out Ronaldo for praise after another fine display and said there is little doubt who will win the Ballon d’Or.

“There’s little doubt this year, I think. I don’t think there are any bets because I don’t think there’s any doubt this year.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema as the best forward in the world.

The Frenchman, who has come for some criticism for a slow start to the campaign, scored twice on Sunday night as Los Blancos thrashed Athletic Bilbao 5-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ronaldo continued his phenomenal form this season and scored his third hat trick in four games, drawing him level with Alfredo di Stefano on a club record 26 hat tricks in the famous white shirt.

Despite his own goalscoring heroics, the 29-year-old told reporters after the game that Benzema was key to the team’s success. And he warned opponents that there is still a lot more to come from the team overall.

He stated: “We’re still getting better. It’s the start of the season, we have room to improve and we are growing. It was a very good game, we scored five goals and didn’t concede any.”

“Benzema is the best striker in La Liga for me and one of the best in the world. He deserves it and we’re very happy with him. He is a team player and Benzema and Chicharito are doing a great job. We’re very happy with them,” he commented to reporters.

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Real Madrid moved into the fourth spot in La Liga after earning their sixth consecutive victory. Los Blancos eased past Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu thanks to a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo and a brace from Karim Benzema.

Athletic made a terrible start to the match, conceding a goal after just two minutes. Ronaldo gave Los Merengues the lead catching a delightful cross from Gareth Bale and nodding home at the back post.

The visitors managed to regain their solidity after that, but Carlo Ancelotti men started threatening Gorka Iraizoz again at the end of the first half, and Karim Benzema made it 2-0 for the hosts. Luka Modric whipped a corner into the box and the Frenchman rose above the defenders to send a bouncing header into the top corner.

It was easy for Madrid after half-time, especially after Ronaldo scored his second in the 55th minute. Bale burst down the left again and laid a pass across goal for Ronaldo to tap it in.

Bale scored a well-deserved goal, but it was disallowed for offside. However, a couple of minutes later Benzema made it 4-0. Modric sent a lovely pass through the middle for Ronaldo, and the Portuguese unselfishly found the France international, who netted it home.

Yet, CR7 would still get his third hat-trick of the season. Two minutes before the end, the ball hit the forward’s elbow following a melee inside the box and went into the corner.

Real Madrid sit now fourth in the table, four points behind leaders Barcelona. The have won their last six games, scoring a record 27 goals.

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Real Madrid Athletic Bilbao preview

Real Madrid will seek to improve their game after struggling to beat Bulgarian champions Ludogorets this week in the Champions League. Los Blancos host Athletic Bilbao, who have had a nightmare start to La Liga season.

The Basques seem like a perfect rival for Los Merengues to continue their good run in the league, since they’ve lost all their games at the Santiago Bernabeu for the last nine years. Plus, they’ve only won one game so far this season and sit in the relegation zone.

Carlo Ancelotti will display his regular line-up after having rotated his team against Ludogorets. James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema will return to the starting eleven.

Pepe, who has recovered from a muscle injury, could also make a return, sending Raphael Varane to the bench. That is the main doubt for Los Blancos’ boss, who will miss Fabio Coentrao, Sami Khedira and Jese Rodriguez due to injury. Cristiano Ronaldo has also been suffering some problems during the week, but he has recovered on time.

Striker Aritz Aduriz has been a last-minute loss for Los Leones, suffering from muscle fatigue. Winger Iker Muniain is also a doubt for coach Ernesto Valverde.

Following Atletico Madrid’s loss at Valencia, Real would move into the fourth position if they earn their sixth consecutive win. On the other hand, a defeat would leave them trailing leaders Barcelona by seven points.

Possible line-ups:

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos, Rodriguez; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz; De Marcos, Gurpegui, Laporte, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Mikel Rico; Susaeta, Benat, Muniain; Guillermo.

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Real Madrid will face Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday in a match that seems like a perfect opportunity for Los Blancos to continue their winning run in La Liga. Nevertheless, the Basques have not won at the Madridistas stadium in the last nine years.

The last time Athletic managed to take all three points from the Bernabeu was on February 19th 2005, when they earned a 0-2 victory thanks to Asier del Horno and Andoni Iraola’s goals. The right-back still plays in the Basque team, while the only player who remains at Real from that game is Iker Casillas.

From that victory in 2005, all Athletic Bilbao’s visits to the old Chamartin have turned into a nightmare. Madrid have won all nine clashes against Los Rojiblancos when playing home. Furthermore, they’ve usually trashed their rival, scoring a total 33 goals and conceding only nine. Statistics show that Los Merengues score an average of three goals when they host Athletic.

The most repeated result when Real and Athletic have met at the Bernabeu in the last few years is 5-1. That has happened in three occasions: twice in 2010 and again in 2012. That’s why the Madridistas should be optimistic on the forthcoming game against Los Leones. History is on their side.

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